The Hike has been going on in one form or another since the mid 70's. Its mission is to raise funds for crisis pregnancy centers in Dallas. It seeks to raise awareness of the suffering that surrounds us, and it provides people with the means to help a lot of people and innocent lives.
Back in the 70's it was a Knights of Columbus Council event. As the 80's came the Hike became too large for one Council to handle so it was given to the GDA (Greater Dallas Association of Knights of Columbus). The GDA is a round table forum used to circulate information that is important to the Councils that make up the Dallas Diocese. It also will host conventions for the Knights when asked to do so, and it takes on projects that have grown too large for one Council to handle.
In 1985 Hike for Life, Inc. was formed. This non-profit organization was given control over the Hike so that anyone donating to the Hike could use it as a tax deduction, and so that people who were not Knights could assist in the running of it.
The Hike use to be around White Rock Lake in Dallas, but was moved to its present location in Garland after a car that ran off of the road struck several of the Hikers. Audubon Park in Garland is a closed, paved, walking trail that provides the security needed to protect the Hikers, but yet it still provides a lot of scenery and solace.
In 2003 a new Board of Directors was formed to come up with new ideas and a fresh approach to appeal to a new set of Hikers. Bike Marshals were added to give Hikers quick access to assistance if problems were to arise, additional sponsors were sought after to help “grow the Hike”, and Hikers were given the chance to choose for themselves what “image” they would like to see on the back of their t-shirts for the Hike the following year.
As of 2007 the Hike is now in 6 separate locations in an attempt to better serve the Dallas area. Garland, McKinney, Irving, Dallas, Rowlett and Waxahachie now each host the Hike, all on the same day. The idea of a “Personal Hike” was also added a few years back so that everyone can participate in our new campaign of “Every step is a prayer” wherever and whenever they wish if they cannot participate at one of the main Hike venues. “Every step is a prayer” is a saying from John Everett, former Director of the White Rose Center in Dallas, and who addressed the Hikers at the 2003 opening ceremonies.
Most money raised at the Hike will go to the White Rose Center in Dallas. The White Rose is credited with saving nearly 400 babies last year (2006) from abortion, and it provides great services for both mom and baby before and after the birth.
As with many fundraisers the Hike has seen its ups and downs. In 1999 the funds raised by the Hike were less than $4000, a far cry from the $30,000 days in the mid ‘80’s. The last Hike held (2006) brought in over $16,000. This is mostly due to an increase in Knights involvement, and new marketing strategies.
A group of Knights in Colorado might cause this little local Hike to become a National Hike… they are interested in having a Hike for Life in their area to help a local crisis center… this is just what we are all about… people who care about life, and wish to lend a hand to see that life gets a chance. I’ll keep you posted on our progress with growing the Hike beyond Texas.
As the Hike moves further into the new millennium the need for the Hike has increased. Too many people feel that abortion is okay; after all if you have been born since 1973 it has always been the law of the land. By providing monetary and prayerful resources, and increased awareness, the Hike is able to help Crisis Pregnancy Centers do their job a little better!
You can help bring innocent lives into this world of ours… please pray for the success of the Hike and it’s benefactors. Please consider volunteering your time and come to the Hike… please bring a friend.
Together we can make a difference, together we can touch and save many lives!
God’s blessing,
Tom Clark
President of the Board
Hike for Life